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Bird Sounds: Pileated Woodpecker

A pileated woodpecker on a branch
Image Credit:
Pixabay
Written By: Heidi Stonehill Executive Editor

Can you identify the call of the pileated woodpecker? Listen and learn about this woodland bird.

The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America (after the ivory-billed woodpecker, which is presumed to be extinct). These birds can reach up to 19 inches from tail to tip and sport a wingspan of up to 30 inches! 

The pileated woodpecker gets its name from the bright-red crest on its head. “Pileated,” which comes from the Latin word for “-capped,” ultimately stems from a type of Ancient Greek hat known as a pilos (pileus in Latin).

Pileated Woodpecker

In late winter, the male pileated woodpecker prepares for the upcoming nesting season, which typically starts in April. Using his incredible bill, he hammers out a nesting area in a dead tree and hopes to attract a mate. Once paired, pileated woodpeckers usually hang around their territory throughout the year, defending it from interlopers. Amazingly, they do not reuse their nests from year to year, which makes the hollow an attractive home for other forest dwellers, such as raccoons and owls.

Have you heard a pileated woodpecker in the wild? Add your comments below. Be sure to let us know where you live or where you’ve heard this bird sound before!

Click here to listen to the sounds of other birds! Bird sounds compliments of The Macaulay Library at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 

Bird Sounds

About The Author

Heidi Stonehill

Heidi Stonehill

Executive Editor

Heidi Stonehill is the Executive Editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, joining the team in 2001. As such, she manages the content development of the Almanac’s line of wall, engagement, box, and special...

Read more from Heidi Stonehill

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Comments

<span>Lindsay</span> Sat, 07/02/2022 - 15:50
We have one on our Norway maple, making lots of noise. Two flew in together and one is sticking around. We live in Little Canada, MN
<span>Jean</span> Tue, 04/19/2022 - 15:18
I'm in Cambridge, MN and have these woodpeckers around every year. I hear them more often than see them, but they are fun to watch when they stop by.
<span>Anne</span> Thu, 04/07/2022 - 08:19
I finally observed not one but a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers in the woods Conn. ; they are so much bigger and more colorful than I had known; Beautiful!!!
<span>Jeanette</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 08:38
I had a pair that came every year to nest in a dead pine tree, but unfortunately a bad storm blew it down. I enjoyed them for about 6 years. Last year I heard one in a neighbors yard. I have a tree that will soon be a new home for them again. I live in Moncks Corner South Carolina. I also think of Woody Woodpecker when I see them. My property is a National Wildlife area with a sign posted to protect wildlife.
<span>Marleen Spreeu…</span> Mon, 03/21/2022 - 13:17
We have them on our 8 acre pine/oak/maple lot. First time we saw them, we thought they were little cats!
<span>Anita Berkey</span> Tue, 01/18/2022 - 07:12
These gorgeous birds abound in Middle Tennessee! We live in Dickson County, White Bluff area. Just love these big fellows!!!
<span>Daryl Denning …</span> Thu, 06/03/2021 - 18:24
I have never heard but the drumming against a tree, but today I watched and heard a pileated woodpecker sounding like a duck at intervals between the pecking sound against an old tree stump. We have woods behind our home. One year a dead pileated woodpecker was in our driveway, probably not long after hearing the pecking against a tree.
<span>Becky</span> Tue, 05/18/2021 - 19:41
I’m in southwestern Michigan very close to Ohio. Saw my first ever Pileated today! So much bigger and beautiful than I expected!!
<span>Linda</span> Fri, 04/30/2021 - 14:09
Love seeing my buddy daily at the suet feeder. Just a few feet away from window. We live in West Central Missouri.
<span>Sabina</span> Tue, 06/23/2020 - 11:38
Laughing at the comments below! We too called this bird sound our mysterious African jungle bird. Good to now know what that amazing call is! He never made the sound when on our suet feeder.